Tanning salons and skin cancer – A scambuster report

I can’t really call tanning salons that use ultraviolet lights or lamps scams because they don’t make fraudulent claims or swindle you out of your money. In fact, you get more for your money than just a tan. Unfortunately, what you get is probably not what you want. That’s because the use of tanning booths increases your risk of skin cancer, and can cause premature aging of the skin, sunburn, eye damage, sensitivity reactions to some medications and immune system dysfunction – a bit more than you bargained for, I’m sure. But don’t take my word for it; see what others have to say.

The World Health Organization “does not recommend the use of UV tanning devices for cosmetic purposes.” The Food and Drug Administration “discourages the use of tanning beds and sunlamps.” The American Academy of Dermatology states that “Tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous [as lying in the sun] because they, too, emit enough UV radiation to cause premature aging and skin cancer.” The Mayo Clinic notes that “Repeated exposure to UV radiation â€“ whether from the sun or a sunlamp â€“ increases your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.”

Moreover, The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, an independent organization representing more than 45 groups (!) whose staffs have experience, expertise, and knowledge in the area of disease prevention and education says that everyone should avoid both natural sun tanning and tanning beds. According to their website, “Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.”

Sunless self-tanning products containing the chemical DHA as their active ingredient are safe when used externally. This includes the products used in spray-on tanning salons.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a simple sugar derived from the sugar cane plant that has been used worldwide in the cosmetics industry for over 30 years. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead surface cells in the outer skin, staining the skin darker. The effect is temporary, because as the dead cells naturally slough off, the color fades, disappearing within a week unless the lotion has been reapplied. DHA is the only FDA-approved skin-tinting additive. Products containing this chemical don’t photo-age the skin or contribute to skin cancer.

That’s a lot healthier than a suntan because while suntans also start fading after a few days, the harm done to the skin is permanent. Getting a suntan breaks down the DNA in skin cells, but using self-tanners causes no such damage.

Please note that the use of sun exposure and sun lamps for treatment of certain skin conditions like psoriasis is entirely appropriate when done under the supervision and/or recommendation of a licensed physician. If you think you have a skin condition that might be helped by ultraviolet light, be sure to talk to your doctor before embarking on any sun or UV light exposure program.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Zimney, MD

Ed is a physician with more than 30 years of experience. He’s held positions in drug advertising review, drug safety surveillance, medical information and marketing with several bio/pharmaceutical companies.

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